Angry Black Man in Prison plays on too many stereotypes and will not be seen as a compelling story white people want to watch. Cage redeeming himself after a rough childhood with friends who support him and provide a moral compass is better. Cage could be conflicted between his past and his future. He's still not a "nice" guy, in fact he is rather selfish, only using his powers for cash, but that makes it a bigger deal when Cage puts himself in danger for free. His friends see Cage as a hero, however much Cage denies it. The audience will root for that guy.